Information
Landmark: Herrington Manor State ParkCity: Hagerstown
Country: USA Maryland
Continent: North America
Herrington Manor State Park, Hagerstown, USA Maryland, North America
Overview
Herrington Manor State Park spans 365 acres in Garrett County, Maryland, just four miles north of Oakland, where pine trees edge the winding road into the park, what’s more tucked deep inside the sprawling Garrett State Forest, the park surrounds Herrington Lake-a calm, 53-acre stretch of water the Civilian Conservation Corps built in the 1930s, where you might hear the soft splash of a fish breaking the surface.Outdoor lovers flock to the park all year for hiking through pine-scented trails, casting lines into the lake, paddling across calm water, cooling off with a swim, setting up camp under the stars, and hitting the slopes when winter rolls in, as well as herrington Manor State Park rests in the rolling hills of Western Maryland, surrounded by thick stands of oak, maple, and tall pines that whisper when the wind passes through.A dam across Herrington Creek created the lake, its still blue surface anchoring the park’s wide mix of activities, to boot during the Great Depression, the CCC built much of the park’s backbone-its dam, rustic cabins, shady picnic spots, and winding forest roads-many still serving visitors today.The park’s history brings a rich cultural layer, highlighting early 20th-century conservation and the public works projects that shaped its stone bridges and winding trails, after that herrington Lake sits at the park’s center, its calm blue surface inviting kayaks, fishing lines, and quiet afternoons in the sun.Boating’s welcome here, as long as it’s not gas-powered-think kayaks gliding past the reeds or a canoe cutting quietly through the water, while from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can rent a canoe or kayak and glide across calm water, the forested shoreline whispering in the breeze.From mid-April to mid-October, you can rent electric boats, and a public ramp makes it easy to launch your own-just remember, gas engines aren’t allowed, keeping the water clear and the shoreline quiet, as a result at Herrington Lake, you can cast a line for bass-both largemouth and smallmouth-along with catfish, panfish, and trout, all thanks to regular stocking that keeps the water lively, sort of You can cast your line from the shore, try the pier, or head out on a rented boat, with the smell of lake water in the air, besides you’ll need a valid Maryland fishing license-think of it like carrying a sturdy rod before you cast into the bay, mildly With its clear water and thriving fish, the lake draws both weekend anglers and seasoned pros looking for a quiet spot surrounded by trees and birdsong, to boot in summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park’s sandy beach is open daily from 11 a.m. To 6 p.m, with lifeguards watching the water, not only that families can swim or stretch out on warm sand, and restrooms and picnic shelters sit just a short wander away.Herrington Manor State Park offers about 12 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, winding through quiet pine forests and open meadows, furthermore the trails wind through classical hardwood forests, stretch across neat rows of pine, and open out into sunlit fields, giving hikers a mix of terrain and a range of challenges.Yellow Trail (1 mile) starts near the cabins and winds gently toward a stand of tall pines, perfect for beginners or anyone out for a relaxed stroll, meanwhile green Trail runs 1.7 miles through hardwood groves and sunny open fields, a gentle route that mountain bikers and cross-country skiers flock to when the snow crunches underfoot in winter.The Red Trail is a 1.6‑mile intermediate loop that winds through tall hardwoods and quiet pine groves, with a few easy climbs along the way, on top of that blue Trail, a 2.4‑mile loop, winds through the heart of the forest, where you might catch sight of a deer and pause at a ridge with sweeping views.Snaggy Mountain Trail stretches for 10 miles, winding through towering antique-growth trees and rolling hills-the park’s longest and toughest route, furthermore in winter, it’s a favorite spot for snowmobiling; come summer, people ride mountain bikes and set out on long hiking trips through pine-scented trails.The trail takes you through the park’s full range of ecosystems, from shady pine groves to sunlit meadows, showing off its rich wildlife and stunning scenery, subsequently in winter, crews groom many of these trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, drawing visitors who relish the crunch of snow underfoot and the calm of the white, open hills.At Herrington Manor State Park, you can stay in one of 20 rustic cabins-cozy, wood‑smelling retreats open all year, simultaneously these cabins come with modern comforts-electricity, fiery showers in private baths, kitchens, and the crackle of a wood-burning fireplace-making them a warm, welcoming hideaway in the heart of nature.A few cabins welcome pets for an extra fee, and it’s best to book ahead-especially in peak season when spots fill swift, not only that on regular weekends, you’ll need to book at least two nights in the cabins, but holidays call for three-think Friday evening through Monday morning.From what I can see, In 2026, a major paving and renovation project will shut down the cabins for a while, leaving their wooden doors locked and the air still, as well as the park also has traditional campsites, each with a picnic table and a fire ring where you can hear wood crackle at night, and they’re set up for tents or modest campers, though cabins remain the main draw.In winter, Herrington Manor turns into a hub for frosty-weather fun, thanks to Garrett County’s brisk air and steady snowfall that crunches under your boots, likewise cross-country skiers can glide along about 10 miles of freshly groomed trails, their skis whispering over the packed snow.You can rent skis or snowshoes right here, so whether you’re just starting out or already slicing through fresh powder, the sport’s within easy reach, simultaneously snowshoeing is easy here, with miles of trails leading you through quiet winter woods where the snow muffles every sound.Fat tire bikes offer a fun way to roll across snow-packed trails, with the park renting them year-round from 10 a.m, likewise to 4 p.m. On the Snaggy Mountain Trail and other designated routes, snowmobiling delivers a prompt, wind-in-your-face burst of winter excitement, in turn the park offers picnic tables shaded by historic oak trees, a vivid playground for kids, and clean restrooms so visitors can relax and enjoy their day.In summer, the swimming beach and boat rentals open for the season, offering everything from a quiet spot in the sand to a kayak ready at the dock, meanwhile all summer long, Herrington Manor comes alive with interpretive programs and community gatherings, from the sweet steam of maple syrup boiling to the sluggish stir of apple butter in a copper kettle.Through these activities, visitors step into the region’s history and try their hand at traditional crafts, maybe shaping clay or weaving a basket, making the park’s cultural experience come alive, and herrington Manor State Park stays open all year, even when snow dusts the trails, somewhat From March to October, hours run 8 a.m, along with to sunset; in winter, November through February, they start later-10 a.m.-and still wrap up as the sky turns gold, loosely From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park charges $3 per vehicle each day; the rest of the year, it’s $2, with an extra fee if your plates aren’t from the state, simultaneously you can reach the park from Herrington Lane, just off US Route 219, where plenty of parking and clear signs point you toward the lake, cozy cabins, and winding trailheads.Herrington Manor State Park blends tall pine forests with a storied past, offering everything from quiet lakeside walks to a wide mix of outdoor activities.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
